Pneumatic vehicle-spring.



R. M. G. PHXLLTPS.

PNBUMATIC v'EHGLE SPRING.

Patented, Sept. 1, 1914.

Q SHEETS- SHEET l.

Num(

R. M. G. FHLMPS.

PNEUMATC VEHCLH SPHING.

APPLwATlON HLBD Num n, um

1,109,146 Patented Sept. 1, 1914.

if SHP-ETE 51112124 I'HILLPS, 0F EAEIQH, NTJW` ABSIGNQB, OF ONE-HALF TO GEBJLES CEISRL, F EAST ORANGE, NEW JERSEY.

Epeerincation of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 1, 1914.

geliefden flied Hovember 5, 1907. Serial No. @6,862

To all whomy it muy concern:

Be it known that l, Ross M. G. PHILLrrs, y

sented in the following specification and the.- eccomg'ienying drawings, forming n port of the sanne,i l .l

The object of the present invention is to provide an eiicientA Iend durable construction of nneumstic s ring Yfor automobiles and other vehicles, y which the op and down-inovementI of the frame relatively to thexle shell be efficiently cushioned, end thnsfsecure'the desired resiliency and lock of excessive vibration and avoid the ob10- tioneble use of pneulmeticitires.

A further object of the invention 1s to combine pneumatic lsprings with metal spring sus ension in snch manner ss to nro vide 4en. e cient and durable construction, securing the advantages of forms of spring and avoiding object-ions incident to their seperate use.

The present invention includes a novel construction and arrangement of pneu- Ina-tic springs or cushions, acting between the vehicle frame end axle, the pneumatic lcushion prefergrbly consstin of n tubuler ring carried in a. cushion ruine which is .pivotally mounted on the axle so :is to swing vertically, as the 'cushion is compressed by up and down movement of the frame, and the cushion preferably surroiinds or piirtially surrounds, thel aide. When combined with the ordinary spring sus ension, the cushion frame is attached totie lost' sprino", so thnt the frame is supported on the'ffui e by the metal spring and pneumatic cushion.

i The invention includes also the novel features, preferably used, of :1 cushion 1n the forni of eplit ring and an :ibutinent on the between the ends of the cushion, so that the cushion may be rendily pnt in place end removed, and e large compression snrfnce is secured with i; small axle, n novel ,L arrangement of cushion frame swinging veiti in e support von the' aigrewi'th. a pneuijostio spring Oikher cushion, and certain other sloecific features of construction and combinations of parts.

F or a full understanding of the invention, e detailed description of constructions embodying the invention in preferred forms, will now be given in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part of v this s eciicetion, and the features forming the invention then specifically pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings: Figure l is e. side elevation of the running gear or body frame of an automobile, with the nigh wheels removed and axles sectioned to show the construction; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same, with parts broken away; Fig. 3 is n side view of the pneumatic springs on the rear wheels, with the axle in section; Fig. 4 is a vertical section on the line 4 of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a horizontal section on the line 5 of Fig. 3; Fig. 6 is an edge View of the pneumatic cushion removed from its frame; Fig. 7 is a side View of the saine; Fig. 8 is a detail section of one end of the cushion; Figs. 9, 10 and 1l show the cushion clips in detail; Fig. 12 is a side View showing the pneumatic cushion used without the metal spring suspension; Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. l, showing :i modified combination of pneumatic cushion and spring suspension.

Referring to said drawings, and espe cially to Figs. l to 10, A is the vehicle frame, B the wheels, C the leaf springs such :is used in ordinary spring suspension, combined with my pneumatic springs, and D the engine, all of which parts may be of any suitable construction. The wheels B nre mounted in any common or suitable manner on the front end rear axles ct, b, the front axle a being shown as of the common I- forrn, and the rear axle :xs tubular, but this is immaterial.

Referring now to the part-s especially embodying the present invention, the axles are each provided .at opposite ends, neer the wheels, with nenmntic springs or cushions, which are el preferably of the sameconstruction, so that :i description of one will apply to nil. Upon the axle or axle casing, shown in Figs 3 5 as the roar axle b, and. preferably loose on. the exle so es to e, andacting as a spacer so ,that the latter may be set up vrigidly permit a slight rocking movement longitudinally of the, axle, `although it may. be

' other side of the axle'opp'osite the space the space 4between the arms c. The lcushion frame e consists of a metal frame inclosmg .the axle and pivotally mounted on one side of the axle on bolt 10 connectin the outer ends of the arms c', metal bushion 11 surrounding the bolt as a support for he frame etween t e arms c,

against the bushing, leaving thel frame e free to turn on the bushing. On' the other side of the axle the `frame e; extends'around 'the arm d, being separated therefrom suiciently to allow the framevto.y swing up and down on bolt 10, and the frame is held in -position longitudinally ofA the axle and I guided by clips 12 onoposite sides of the arm d secured in place y bolts 13, these clips 12, as shown in Fig. 10, being prof vided \vithl`ugs-1 for a' purposehereater explained, and preferably having curved surfaces 2 corresponding to the tubular cushion. Within the frame e, and extending about the axle from the opposite sides` y of the arm d, is the pneumatic cushion or spring f, which is preferably round elastic air tube, forming a split ring of nearly a complete circle, but leaving an opening at one side of the circle between the ends of the tube tol receive the arm d. The cushion can thus be readily removed and replaced about the axle, and the arm d gives large compression surface with a small axle, while ample expansion space is secured with a tube of reasonable size. The clips 12 not only act to hold the frame e in position and gulde it in its vertical movements, but also coact with frame e to hold the axle in position longitudinally in relation to the spring C and cushion frame c, the same result being secured on the opposite side of the axle by the arms c. This holding of the axle and cushion frame in position longitudinally of the axle is important, and, in itself, orms a specific feature of the invention. As shown, the cushion has one of its ends tangential t0 the innerA perighery of the ring. This feature is not essential to the invention considered broadly, but is preferable, and such a construction forms a specific feature of the invention. Such a cushion is easier to insert in place over the axle or support, and it provides a large continuous pressure surface in the same plane, which may be extended as desired, by enlarging this end .of the cushion and the arm d, l

ends" of .thetube are' closedand the cushion may be secured in place by any suitable means. A simple and eiiicient means is' shown, in which the opposite ends of the cushion have/{ianges 3, formed of metal, leather or other suitable material over which project the lugs or clips 12, so

as to clamp the ends of the cushion upon the opposite sides of the arm d, as the bolts 13'are tightened up. The cushion preferably has a removable inner tube with cover of canvas or suitable material, and there is shown 'in Figs. 6 to' a simple and efficient means for closin the open end ofthe cover and providing t e flanges 3. In. this construction, the end of the cover is clamped between inner and outer split metal rings m, n, which are pressed' together on the `cover by screws, the cover o preferably havin'g a beaded edge. The outer ring n carries the'flange 3, engaged by lugs 1 on clips 12. The valve stem 15 passes through a lug 9 on lfthe ring n, to the inner tube. A plug p is preferably used to close the end of the cover and hold the end of the inner tube against blowing out against the arm d. The valve stem may be at another point of the ,cushion7 and is so shown in the other figures, but it is preferably near the end of the cushion, as shown in Figs. 6 to 8, as the exmansion movement is less.

It is important that vertical rocking of the ushion frame longitudinally of the axle vbe permitted to prevent binding, and secure the freedom of cushioninvr movement desired. This may be secured by looseness of the cushion support on the rear axle, as above described, but with the pivoted cushion frame, it is desirable that the cushion frame be mounted so as to permit this rocking movement in the support. In the construction shown, the bushing 11 on which the frame e turns is provided with a spherical central bearing 5 entering concaves 6 in a removable bearing sleeve 17 secured to the frame 6. Clearance between the frame e and ar s c and clips 12 is'provided, as shown, sdnh ing movement. This pivotal mounting 'of the cushionframe will be used withthe support c, d rigid, on the front axle, but preferably-both provisions for the rocking mover'nent will be used together on the rear axle.

The pneumatic cushion or spring of the front wheels is shown as secured to the metal spring() by clips 16 and ears 4 on the cushion frame, the springs being half s to permit this rock-,fY

springs so as to per `it the frame vto be'.

be used. The front sprin s C and cushions A are .beneath the frameside bars, Abut the rear springs and cushions arevcarried outside the frame, sp "that'the frame may be rimes-n is; isfrimy @ist for Sgppblff dit the pnhmtic .ctshib bi1k l t tadas-'ht u) il@ cushion his prmimhg'the vehicle to 'be used wit vut rnjry. Iii the eons'trubtion shoiih, tHe "ciisliin fiiztme e amd the t'li )s l2 are provided ivithbolt holes Z' to recelive a bolt, in seted when it isidesired to iise the coristju'ction` independent-ly of the. bshiii. The bit jhole 7 ih the fraxiie e pefier'atbli lids a `co" vex bearing sin-fate as sh'oivii; Vso isv to perni t slight sidewis rokihg of the frilie ori the bolt.. The nematicsprigsor ebshions ma be supp ieri with ir :ind bthe I I 'vssnre eqiia-- lied and adjusted in'ariy suitble mhner, butpreferably the 4four `cushions vtill be coliiieoted, :ind the sppl f riii t l'ereto ind rlgisure therein be contrdlle'd by t 'e driven n the ciistifubtin sh'ovifh, tl'e rstenris'y 15 of the cii'slii'ohs 'are co'iinbctd b pips 20 liviig flexible portihs fand ext` diri" between the cxshioh bil the sie side of t le' vehicle, these pi es beingxonnected by a cross p'lpb mi verhit vis; inflected by giga@ te 'an air ivi'clbii with fl re e Vabre 24, :ind bimeted by pipe 25 t'o' h puibf of mij' silt'ble form brtd from the jehgine Il pipe 22ls provided between the pipe ssl-sd the boss bip@ 21 witll threeway @ooki which is connected by links 27 to hixi'die Q8 im the steei'ihg 'ost 29,5 0 that this driier iiif'fiy shift tlire-iily Vli'e S0 tb opinen the pneucritic cushions to the atihosbliers, fbi' reiu in f pres'siij, or to the air tank i253, for incr'ese of pressure or close the eushiims. The pibe 20 is pre er- :ably boniieirted through ipe 30 to a gge 31 on the dashboard 32, tg mdlcte the vA)ressirs to the driver. a'ch of the pipes 20 is preferably provided with n. cock, by which iu'iylmisiiiori may be "eut out of the system for repair or renewal, these Cocks being hormally open.

'Vhie the pneumatic cushions or spririgs are preferably combined with the metah spring suspension. as shown in Figfs, l to l0,

1in-y may be applied otherwise. n Fig. 12 l have shown 'a construction similar Ito that shown in Figs. i to 10, except lthat the cushion frames e are secured directly to the 1 underside of the running' gear frame A, the

*frames e being shown as secured by ears 33 Vf ited to the iinderside of the frame A. In stiwicliimi, also, the @rms C, al'. form lshiori support, igste'sd of bei nlpY sind down movement', yVhile, iiijoti1r 1`r of the ii'shion fr'fii'ne to swing vertiba is irh ortt, t v 'iois' Aii f oi' rockihfr y p imdiqilygof hvssft limi? be( used in'. co Istru'ctlons 1' iirhili the veliiioyeIriei/it of the 'Cusliioh 'frame is Q (heifwise sclbd. The pivoting ofI the 'iifsliion for vrtical inov'em'eiit rina-y be lijpplxiei a so td heumatic sprix'ig's `orvoth'er csliibus o't actirig on `both 11j) Iiiovehiehtsfo the vehicle frameblid'sillbh iis' 'is (fitliiii he invention.4 `Tncoi'vnbih'gi,tion wif le Spring Suspension, ,anniipbmm fiipti is secured, in'tliatthe c'shio rej'ents 'hip-lash 1mtioii 'of the finetal s'ririig which 1s ltaken b? cushion'.

tio

he Ye icl'e.. il,tlie gror'md. thus rbducing liabilltfuto m and skidding of yehicle, as fcbinp'rb with the lise'of pn'eiilmitic tiie's. I l,

Vilhile the 'all-rangement sheikh, which the cushion lies above and bbloiv b aigle is preferred, the'biro'nderv fea iiiesf ftli' ilii'ntio may be embodied in bthei onstriio'- tions. Thus, the arrahgembii't qshiiviimay be reversed and the freine Veinirried by the' Iguile. ii'nd the vQhole frame or its le'afsprihlg'attached to n stud eoriesphdilig to the 'axle or otherwise to the pfarts `a, d, sgi'tht the parts f. d, with the cushoii's'wig yu s n'd down on the lbolt 10. The fiamefe Will then form the :ibutrrien'ts1 for tule, sn its upward and 'dowilw''rd conprei nl N1 fos l! l l l ll t l with theA c :Shion vusmon tramo. tubular cushion ring f in the fra-me forming a split ring, flanges on the ends of the@ ring, and clips securing the flanges to the support.

16. The combination with the cushion support, of the cushion frame e pivoted in' said support, and tubular pneumatic cushion f in said frame forming a split ring.

17. The combination of arms c, cushion frame e pivoted in and between said arms, arm l opposite the space between the arms, and tubular pneumatic cushion f in said frame forming a split ring and having its ends separated by the arm d.

18. The combination with the axle and cushion support thereon, of the cushion frame e pivoted in said support to swing vertically, tubular pneumatic cushion f in said frame extending about the axle, and semi-elliptical Aspring C secured to the cushion frame and on which the vehicle frame is mounted.

19. The combination of arms c, cushion trame e pivoted in said arms by spherical bearin 5, and a cushion in said frame.

20. rhe pneumatic cushion f forming a split ring with one of the ends of the ring tangential to the inner periphery of the ring.

21. The pneumatic cushion f forming a split ring with the ends of the ring provided with attaching devices securing them to an abutment between the ends of the ring.

The combination with a fixed cushion support, of the cushion frame e pivoted in said support, and a cushion between said trame and support.

23. The combination with a fixed cushion support, of the cushion frame e pivoted in said support to swing transversely to and longitudinally of said support, and a cushion between said frame and support.

24. The combination with a vehicle axle, of a cushion support on the axle, cushion frame e inclosing the support and axle and pivoted to swing vertically, and a cushion between said frame and axle.

The combination with a vehicle axle, of arms c rigid thereon, a cushion frame supported in said arms and pivoted to swing vertically, and a cushion between the frame and axle.

26. The combination with a vehicle axle, of arms c thereon, a cushion frame pivoted in Said arms to swing vertically and having a pivotal mounting permitting the frame to rock longitudinally of the axle, and a cushion between the frame and axle.

QT. The combination with a vehicle axle, oi' arms c, d thereon, cushion frame e pivoted in said arms c to swing vertically and inclosing arm d and the axle, cushion frame guides on arm d, and a cushion between the frame and aXlc.

28'. The combination with a cushion support, of a cushion frame pivoted in said support and extendi j on opposite sides of the support and eus onin means between said frame and op;` site sides of said support for cushioning movement of the frame in either direction.

29. The combination with a vehicle axle, of a cushion support on the axle and extending on both sides of the axle, a cushion frame pivoted in said support to swing vertically, and cushioning means between said frame and support extending on the oppo site side of the axle fromthe cushion frame pivot.

30. The combination ywith a vehicle axle, of a cushion support on the axle, a cushion frame pivoted in said support to swingyertieally and extending above and below the support, and cushioning means between said frame and opposite sides of said support adapted to cushion on up and down movements of the frame.

31. The combination with a vehicle axle, of a cushion support on the axle, a cushion frame pivoted in said support to swing vertically and extending above and below the support, said frame being mounted to permit a rocking movement longitudinally of the axle, and cushioning devices between said frame and opposite sides of said support adapted to cushion on up and down movements of the frame.

32. The combination with a vehicle axle, of a cushion support extending on opposite sides of the axle, a cushion frame pivoted in said support at one side of the axle to swing vertically, and cushioning means between said frame and the su port on the opposite side of the axle from he frame pivot.

33. The combination with a vehicle axle, of a cushion support extending on opposite sides of the axle, a cushion frame pivoted in said support at one side of the axle and extending above and below the support on the opposite side of the axle, and cushioning means between said frame andthe upper and lower sides of the support for cushioning on up and down movements of the framel 34. The combination with a Vehicle axle, of a cushion abutment on the axle, a cushion frame between the vehicle frame and abutment, one of said members extending on opposite sides of the other to prevent relative movement of the axle and cushion frame longitudinally of the axle, and cushioning Imeans between the cushion frame and abutment. A,

35. `The combination witl'it'ya vehicle axle, of a. cushion abutment on "one side of the axle, a cushion frame between the vehicle frame and abutment, one of said members extending on opposite sides of the other to prevent relative movement of the axle and cushion frame longitudinally of the axle, means yon the opposite side of the axle connuling ilw axle to the voliiclo frame, and cushioning' nwun .ctn'evn tlnl vusliion fram@ und ulmtnnnt.

9,13. The Combination with :i wliivlu of u .fnbliion ubunnnnt on the :xxl/Q, u cushion fi'unlc between the vehicle l'xzuuc :unl :ixle cxtemling above und bllow Suid ubut nient`v oml of said inonilmi'sa cxloiuling on opposite sillon of the other to piovent i'vlutivc i0 rnownwnt o1' the uxl: und (zurliion iiunw longitudinally of che axle, and cushioning;l menne; lwtwcvn Suid frame and the upper und lower sides of said abutment.

In testimony whore/0f, l have hereunto sot my u1n l in tho iii-Osanna ol' two subscribing 15 witnesses.

ROSS M. Pllllllilll.

'itnvssw;

(inox J. SAwYicn, 'l`. l". Kl-znoic. 

